KidStyleFile

Written by Anna

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As KidStyleFile helps tick off everything on your ‘Back to School’ list, it’s time to ask have you thought about a naptime set yet? With the new year there will be lots of little ones newly enrolled in childcare and pre-school. Many of these centres require you to send along bedding to help prepare for your little one’s sleep time. While you may be able to pull together various pieces from their existing bedding, you may be pleased to discover that there are a number of matching sets on the market. Many come with a matching bag meaning you can simply grab it and go.

Below, in no particular order, is a selection of KidStyleFile’s favourite brands for naptime sets.  Ranging in price and style you can no doubt find a set to suit you and your little one’s needs.

In no particular order:

1. Kozy Koala Sleeping Mat Small with Blanket $49.95 from Haggus & Stookles 
2. Kiddysac Kids Kindy Sheet Set – Blue Monkey $39.95 from Haggus & Stookles
3. JamBerry Green Linen Set  $59.95 from Lime Tree Kids
4. Good Apples Cupcake Dreams – Complete Preschool Naptime Set $69.99 from Good Apples
5. Wildkin Olive Kids Trains, Planes and Trucks Nap Mat $59.99 from Bed, Bath & Beyond
6. Good Apples Mighty Stars – Complete Preschool Naptime Set $69.99 from Good Apples 
7. John Lewis Anorak Kissing Stags Sleeping Bag £59 from John Lewis
8. Teeny Me – Snooze Sac – Girl RRP $79.95 $59.95 from Design Child
9. JamBerry Pink Linen Set for Stretcher $59.95 from Lime Tree Kids
10. Kids Line Nap Mat – Yellow Giraffe $19.99 from Bed, Bath & Beyond
    

Please check individual stores for shipping costs. Also make sure you read the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

Written by Domenica

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Bags, bags, bags! I have my own (ahem) slight obsession with them, so it seems appropriate that I undertake some research in the name of KidStyleFile’s ‘Back To School’ backpack and library roundup. I must admit, some of the bags had my heart racing a little with that ‘have to have it’ kinda feeling, including the Fernando Bear Packpack by Beatrix NY and the Cocoon Couture Library Bags – so sweet!

We are spoiled for choice these days with so many different designs to choose from, and of course functionality is always an important consideration too. So, whether you are after a backpack, a messenger bag, a drawstring bag, a tote bag, a daysack, a library bag, a kinder bag, a swim bag … or just a bag to be seen out and about in, we hope you’ll find one that will have your child counting down the days until kindergarten or school starts.

In no particular order of preference:

1. Skip Hop Zoo Bee Backpack – Haggus & Stookles – $34.95
2. Allerhand Kids Backpack Shadow – Haggus & Stookles – $77.00
3. Stephen Joseph Go Go Backpack – Ballet – Metro Mum – $26.99
4. Little Life Animal Daysack – Shark – Haggus & Stookles – $48.95
5. Medium Personalised Backpack – Mooo – $49.95
6. Lassig Mini Messenger Bag (4 Designs Available) – Metro Mum $49.95
7. Poppy Lou Little Miss Bus Ride Backpack – Baby’s Got Style – $35.00
8. Peace Little Eco Backpack - Cornflowerblue – $49.50
9. Fernando Bear Packpack Beatrix NY – Cornflowerblue – $54.50
10. Fluf Organic Cotton Backpack I Heart You – Kindred Gifts – $39.95
11. Poppy Lou Jazzi Snazzy Giraffe Library Bag – Baby’s Got Style – $35.00
12. Personalised Backpack – Stuck On You – $49.95
13. Shoulder Bag – Gorgeous Giraffe – The Infant Boutique – $39.95
14. Tiger Tribe Rainbow Drawstring Bag - Little Styles – $19.95
15. FREAK*O*BAG™ Monster With Horns Where Did You Get That? – Was $17.95 Sale $12.56
16. Bobble Art Swimming/Library Bag Traffic - Lime Tree Kids – $24.95
17. Bobble Art Swimming/Library Bag Multi Heart – Lime Tree Kids – $24.95
18. Oobi Booky Library Backpack Truck - Little Styles – $12.95
19. Magic Circus Library Bag – Cocoon Couture – $14.95
20. Enchanted Forest Library Bag – Cocoon Couture – $14.95

 See individual stores for details of discounted prices as marked in red. Please check individual stores for shipping information and don’t forget to check KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page for any special deals that might be available.

Written by Domenica

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In a former life I was a teacher, and therefore painfully aware of how quickly the school holidays seemed to pass. With some parts of Australia starting school in around two weeks, we felt it was high time to do our homework here at KidStyleFile and roundup some of our fave top ‘Back To School’ picks. Today we are starting with just a few of our fave picks for lunch related items.

At the risk of sounding very old, I must admit that I cannot believe how far the humble lunchbox and drink bottle has come design-wise in both looks and functionality! And with more and more daycare centres, kindergartens and schools becoming waste free, now is the perfect time to consider investing in a fab lunchbox and drink bottle. Nom, nom, nom!

In no particular order of preference:

A. Skip Hop Zoo Lunchies Dog -Haggus & Stookles – $21.00
B. Cooler Lunch Bag Green Robot – Lime Tree Kids – $32.95
C. Built NY Munchler Insulated Kids Lunch Box Boo – Haggus & Stookles – Was $19.95 Sale = $16.95
D. Rex Circus Parade Lunch Box – Little Styles – $11.95
E. Assorted Fluf Lunch Bags – Kindred Gifts – From $23.95
F. Lego Lunchbox Red – Metro Mum – $19.95
G. Jasnor Very Hungry Caterpillar Lunch Bag – Little Styles – $24.95
H. Dwell Lunch Box Bag – Transport – The Infant Boutique – $49.00 Sale $44.10
I. Citizenpip Polka Dot BPA Free Kids Lunch Starter Kit – Metro Mum – $59.95
J. Bobble Art Kids Lunch Box – Multi Heart – Haggus & Stookles – $24.95
K. H2Onya Stainless Steel Bottle 500ml – Buxton Baby – $17.95
L. Hatley Wild At Heart Drink Bottle – Baby’s Got Style – $14.95
M. Funtainer Drink Bottle 355mls – Dancer – Where Did You Get That? – $24.95 Sale $19.96
N. Cheeki Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle 750ml – Metallic Purple – Ekidna Kids – $17.95
O. Bobble Art Spot Drink Bottle – Ekidna Kids – $19.95
P. Contigo Kangaroo Autoseal Blue Drink Bottle – Where Did You Get That? – $21.95
Q. Crocodile Creek Jungle Jive Drink Bottle – Ekidna Kids – $19.95 Sale $15.95
R. Rocket Racing Drink Bottle 350ml – The Infant Boutique – $24.95
S. Drink Bottle – Red Star – Little Explorers – Was $19.95 Sale $11.97
T. Vapur 0.5L Anti-Bottle Cyan Blue – Where Did You Get That? – $18.95
U. Lunch Punch Fairy Princess Sandwich Cutters – Baby’s Got Style – $13.95
V. Toddler Cutlery Set – Charlie’s Bucket – $59.00
W. Lunch Punch Transport Sandwich Cutters – Baby’s Got Style – $13.95

 See individual stores for details of discounted prices as marked in red. Please check individual stores for shipping information and don’t forget to check the KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page for any special deals that might be available.

Post written by Miki

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As the final in our series of price-range Christmas gift guides, today I’m looking at the ‘big ticket items’, those items costing upwards of $100.  Some of these items might be wish list pieces, while others are more attainable.  Either way, enjoy the collection of twenty superb items guaranteed to light up any kid’s face on Christmas morning.

My two-year-old would think all his dreams had come true if he found a BIG Bobby Benz under the tree, while his older brother might be more interested in a Radio Flyer Dual Deck Red Flyer Tricycle, and I know they’d both love a Teepee from An Angel At My Table. Angela tells me that the Marble Sounding Tree is absolutely amazing – her family has one, and her daughters have had endless fun making beautiful music with it. Plus how incredibly stylish is this Janod Chic Maxi Kitchen? Boys and girls alike would have an amazing time cooking up a storm with that.

Have yourselves a merry little Christmas and enjoy all the amazing choices on offer.

1. Lilly & Lolly Child’s Desk, Toybox & Stool Set, $650.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
2. Marble Sounding Tree – Large, $136.00 at Honeybee  Toys
3. Le Toy Van Lily’s Cottage, $149.95 $144.95 at Where Did You Get That?
4. Jack’s Cubby House, $999.00 at Hip Kids
5. Classic Red Racing Car Rocker, $595.00 at Monty And Franks
6. Radio Flyer Dual Deck Red Flyer Tricycle, $154.95 at Just Toy’n Around
7. ooMoo Kids Leggy Table & Chairs, $180.00 at Mini Chatterbox
8. Little Polly Rocking Horse, $595.00 at Monty And Franks Designer Toy Co
9. IVI Interactive Play Rug – Farm, $299.95 at The Little Kidz Closet
10. KidKraft Fun Explorers Rocket Ship Playset, $199.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
11. An Angel At My Table Navy Stripe Teepee, $219.95 at Shop For Tots
12. Solvej Swing by Holmsater, $220.00 at Look Mummy
13. Micki Wooden Pram With Hood, $118.95 at Baby’s Got Style
14. Janod Chic Maxi Kitchen – Brown, $170.00 at Lime Tree Kids
15. BIG Bobby Benz, $220.00 $198.00 at Metro Mum
16. Lundy Stockholm Dollshouse, $189.95 at Cradle Rock
17. Wishbone Balance Bike – Apple A Day Special Edition, $299.00 at Metro Mum
18. Left Hand Make Small One Tables & Chairs, $510.00 at The Little Kidz Closet 
19. Janod DIY Trolley With Magnetic Tools, $129.00 at Lime Tree Kids 
20. Silver Cross Chatsworth Doll’s Pram – Red Poppy, $999.00 at Silver Cross Online Store
21. The Magic Klorifil Tree, $195.00 at The Infant Boutique (yes I know it’s cheating to have 21 items, but I couldn’t resist this one!)

Please check individual stores for shipping costs. Also make sure you read the KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

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As part of our Christmas coverage this year we are sharing with you our own personal picks for our kids. Today we’re featuring Jen’s picks. You can also read Dom’s picks, Anna’s picks and Melody’s picks. Enjoy! – Ange

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Charlie, 3¾, Jen and Jack, 4 ½

With the boys now really grasping the concept of Christmas, deciding what we should ask from Santa has become a major part of our daily conversation. Keeping things in perspective has certainly been a major challenge, but I think I’m slowly getting through to them!

What I’m most excited about though is finding gifts that enhance their current interests and nourish their active imaginations. Role play, science, the world around us; all hot topics with our eldest  ’thinker’. His brother on the other hand is much more interested in kicking balls and cars, so I think my choice of toys for him should keep him entertained. So many lovely things out there, here’s hoping this selection will give you some fresh ideas.

1. Operation Alphabet, Al Maccuish $16.42 Book Depository
This is a book that I have coveted ever since it arrived in the bookshop where I work. It’s got vintage charisma, a superb homage to spy-tastic capers and is just a genius way to get kids – especially boys – interested in books.

2. Red Bi Plane Ceiling Light $66.45 Shop for Tots
We are in desperate need of a new night light and I think this would hit the spot. I mean what boy doesn’t love planes? This design is simple, unaffected and won’t date, so the boys can love it for many years ahead.

3. Classic Earth Hugg a Planet $47.56 Cornflower Blue
There are three nationalities in our household so this is an ideal gift for the boys. We are almost a mini global village filled with love, so what better thing to do than share a great big hug?

4. Peek, Seek and Find – For Boys, Little Beginnings $20.25 Cornflower Blue
Anything that tackles the major challenge of keeping boys still for longer than 5 minutes gets my vote. I like the neat packaging and thoughtful subjects that should really interest the boys as they start to express interest in numbers and letters.

5. Wooden Teaching Clock £4.99 Jesters. Email admin@jesters.com for shipping costs.
I’m sure there are many of you who have family in Europe wondering what to get grandchildren and cousins. Well I like this clock as it combines learning with style and is well considered when attempting to understand the time.

6. Janod Confetti Harmonica $8.95 Lime Tree Kids
Hmmm I might regret this, but I always wanted a harmonica as a girl and am probably buying this for me rather than the boys. It’s better than a recorder though don’t you think?

7. Kaleidoscope $7.95 Shop for Tots
The boys love kaleidoscopes, especially the ones they discovered at daycare. So maybe it’s time we had one of our own at home. This would be a perfect stocking filler

8. Captain Tee by Cried Wolf $40 and Check Slimline Shorts by Sosooki $49 About a Boy
Add a pair of Chuck Taylors and how cute would a little fella look in this outfit?

9. Mr Frog Eco Wall $59 The Lowercase
I definitely have a ‘learning’ theme going on here and just love the artwork on this wall hanging. Nature, style, decor and learning all wrapped up. Perfect?

10. Wall Candy Animal Chalkboard $99.95 Metro Mum
These animals would be so much fun to customise over and over again. I think they’d be great in the kids room, they’d be a welcome addition to their existing zoo!

11. Mini Automoblox Truck $25.95 Where Did You Get That?
I’d probably have to get two of these. The boys are so close in age that sometimes I have to treat them as twins when it comes to shopping for toys. These look rather supercool and I think they’d go nice and fast on the wooden floors…

12. Little MD role play medical bag $37.95 Shop for Tots
Our eldest was caught deep in doctor mode recently at a friends house, fixing knees and taking temperatures. Maybe it’s time I nurtured that interest, I may have a future brain surgeon on on my hands?

Please check individual stores for shipping costs. Also make sure you read the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

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As part of our Christmas coverage this year we are sharing with you our own personal picks for our kids. Today we’re featuring Anna’s picks. You can also check out Dom’s picks, with more team picks to come in the following weeks. Enjoy! – Ange
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From Left to Right – Hudson (6)  & Wesley (7) , Anna, and Harriet (2)

1. MailegMouse baby girl in box – from Nordichouse Living I spied these little treasures at KidsInStyle in Melbourne earlier this year and tucked them away as a present idea for our little girl.

2. Minti Happy Face Layer Dress $44.95 – from Little Pinwheel Satisfying the pink requirement, this is a super cute little dress for summer.

3. Hip Kids Pink Balance Bike $89.00 – from Hip Kids The time has come to get our little lady on two wheels. Because she tells all and sundry that ‘pink’s my favourite’ I can’t wait to see her on her very own pink bike!

4. KeepCup Piccolo Pink $10.00 – from Baby Be Natural For Babycino’s with mummy.

5. Fred Ninja Bread Men $14.95 – from Lime Tree Kids My boys love to bake and these will make for some seriously cool biscuits for their lunch boxes.

6. ‘The Sneaky Book for Boys’ $11.34 – from The Book Depository For Master 7 nearly 8, who will totally dig it -  How to Perform Sneaky Magic Tricks, Escape a Grasp, Craft a Compass, Walk Through a Postcard, Survive in the Wilderness, and Learn about Sneaky Animals and Insects, Sneaky Escapes, and Sneaky Human Feats.

7. Fred Munchstaches Cookie Cutter $13.95 – from Lime Tree Kids Because I couldn’t choose between these and the Ninja’s I figured we might just have both. We might even sneak a few munchstaches into Daddy’s lunch box for work!

8. ‘Let’s Make Some Great Art’ $21.37 – from The Book Depository Though he may still need some help, Master 6 is our budding artist, so it will be lovely to teach him about art as he makes his own – he can complete the Mona Lisa’s smile, and design his own Jackson Pollock.

9. Munster Wheelside Tee $40.00 – from Little Pinwheel A cool tee for Master 7 who loves his skateboard.

10. Scrunch Bucket $17.95 – from Urban Baby Digging, building and water play never grows old and these buckets will be a great addition to our house this summer. Great to scrunch up and throw in the beach bag or car. Plus in winter we may even bring them inside as another storage option.

11. Anchor Ski WetSuit – Junior $99.00 – from Anchor Wetsuits Our water babies spend all summer in the water, but in Tasmania it’s freezing! This year we’re helping our skinny sons enjoy the water even more with a wetsuit each.

12. Minti Tiger Crown Tee $39.95 – from Little Pinwheel Another cool tee, this time for Master 6 who truly thinks he is king of the castle.

 13. Green Hat Workshop 200 PLANKS $119.95 – from Green Hat Workshop I got up close and personal with these fabulous planks at KidsInStyle in Melbourne earlier this year, and I know my children (plus all our visitors) will get a great kick of creating with these innovative building blocks.

Please check out KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page for any special deals that might be available.